Michael Peercy

Michael Peercy, 51, long time resident of Tishomingo, OK, died peacefully in his home, and surrounded by his family, on March 17, 2024.
Michael was born in Ardmore, OK, on August 25, 1972, to Mickey and Mary Sue (Richardson) Peercy. He grew up in Tishomingo, OK, surrounded by a loving extended family. Michael graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1990 as an Honors Student and All-State Musician, earning a scholarship from East Central University (ECU). Michael was a talented trumpet player for the ECU marching band and earned his Bachelor's degree as an ECU Tiger. Michael ultimately earned his Master's degree from Oklahoma University Health Sciences. While at ECU, Michael rekindled his romance with his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Anne (Katy) Martin. Michael and Katy married on August 21, 1993.
Michael's quiet strength and character made it impossible to know Michael and not love him. He was revered by his family, friends, and professional colleagues. He dedicated his career to advancing tribal healthcare, public health and research. He was a beloved member of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Research and Public Health, which he helped establish. While Michael made countless contributions to his field, most recently as an epidemiologist providing guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, his most valuable impact was investing in others. He mentored many professionals throughout his time with the Chickasaw Nation and made lasting impressions on all his colleagues.
While Michael was passionate about his career and hobbies such as collecting Star Wars memorabilia, his true happiness and priority was his family. Michael doted on wife Katy and their two children, Sarah Marguerite (Maggie) and Marianna Maddux (Marianna). He was incredibly proud of both Maggie and Marianna and enjoyed watching them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate women. More recently, Michael joyfully embraced and excelled in his role as father-in-law and grandpa to Maggie and wife Amy's children Kaitlynn and Camden. Michael welcomed their family's expansion by lovingly officiating Maggie and Amy's wedding.
Although he experienced symptoms long before, Michael was officially diagnosed with Early Onset Alzeimer's/Posterior Cortical Atrophy in November of 2022. In the same way he accepted all people for who they were and believed everyone had the right to live their life with dignity, he believed patients with terminal illnesses should also have agency to experience death with dignity. He will be remembered for the acceptance, gentle spirit, and quick wit he displayed until the very end.
Michael will forever be cherished by his dad, Mickey Peercy; loving wife, Katy; daughters, Maggie and Marianna Peercy; daughter-in-law, Amy Peercy; and grandchildren, Kaitlynn and Camden Orcutt. He left a lasting mark and will be forever missed by his family and all those that called him friend.
The Peercy family would like to express gratitude for all the gifts of kindness expressed to their family and Michael during his illness and passing. Special thanks are extended to Peggy Atwood, PA, Dr. Audra Cook, and Halo Hospice.
Arrangements are being handled by Criswell Funeral Home in Ada, OK. A celebration of Michael's life is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, at 10:00 am at the First Methodist Church in Ada. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Michael's honor to the Tishomingo Band Boosters or St. Luke's Youth of Ada, OK.